Shoe Orientation Training System

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a new and improved footwear orientation training system including a first and second shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom surface, a top portion, and an inner side. First and second attachment members extend from a first end distally to a second end, the first end of the attachment members affixed to the inner side of the shoes. A fastener comprises a first fastener segment and a second fastener segment, the first fastener segment joined to the second end of the first attachment member and the second fastener segment joined to the second end of the second attachment member. The first attachment member is manipulable to engage with the second attachment member at their respective said fastener segments, thereby connecting said left shoe and said right shoe.

PRIORITY

The present invention claims priority to provisional application 62/428,943, which has a filing date of Dec. 1, 2016.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

This invention relates to footwear and, in particular, an orientation system for footwear.

Description of the Related Art

It is well accepted that young children are incapable of consistently putting their shoes on correctly without adult assistance. Shoes have left/right “handedness” or orientation which can be confusing to children. Small children typically have difficulty properly orienting their shoes for wear, as they are unable to distinguish between their left and right shoes. Even with the aid of a label, the determination of left or right still maybe too complex. As a result, when dressing without adult supervision, a child often places shoes on the opposite foot for which they are designed.

As a means of insuring proper wearing of footwear, an adult can align a child's shoes in advance in the proper left/right orientation and place them in the closet or other location where shoes are normally place. Nonetheless, these shoes will almost assuredly not remain in their proper orientation until and during their placement by a child on their feet. Ultimately, the child must learn to orient and place them on their feet on their own.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a new and improved footwear orientation training system including a first and second shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom surface, a top portion, and an inner side. First and second attachment members extend from a first end distally to a second end, the first end of the attachment members affixed to the inner side of the shoes. A fastener comprises a first fastener segment and a second fastener segment, the first fastener segment joined to the second end of the first attachment member and the second fastener segment joined to the second end of the second attachment member. The first attachment member is manipulable to engage with the second attachment member at their respective said fastener segments, thereby connecting said left shoe and said right shoe.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention in a separated state;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention in a joined state;

FIG. 5A shows a rear view of an embodiment of the invention in a joined state;

FIG. 5B shows a rear view of an embodiment of the invention in a joined state; and

FIG. 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of the invention in a joined state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the foregoing detailed description has disclosed several embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the above description is illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention. It will be appreciated that the discussed embodiments and other unmentioned embodiments may be within the scope of the invention.

This device seeks to provide a structure to aid in distinguishing the left and right shoes or maintain relative orientation between them. The shoe orientation training system 10 of the present invention is designed for use with footwear which comprises a right shoe 12 with a right side 20 and left side 18 and a left shoe 12 with a right side 18 and left side 20. Exemplary embodiments of the shoe orientation training system 10 include a first attachment member 30 disposed on and substantially level with the left side 18 of the right shoe 12 and a second attachment member 40 located on and substantially level with the right side 18 of the left shoe 12. The first attachment member 30 and second attachment member 40 can be detachably connected with the shoes 12 or fabricated integral with the shoes 12. When pressed together, the first attachment member 30 engages the second attachment member 40 and serves to detachably connect the left shoe 12 and right shoe 12 together in a proper relative orientation and position. By providing an orientation system for orienting and connecting footwear, the invention enables children to properly orient their shoes to allow them to put each shoe on its proper foot without adult supervision. It has other advantages such as aiding in the organization and pairing of shoes.

FIGS. 1-6 illustrate various embodiments of a shoe orientation training system 10. The illustrated embodiments on a pair of footwear wherein a right shoe 12 and a left shoe 12 are illustrated in a spaced apart or unconnected relationship.

In certain embodiments, the shoe orientation training system 10 is integral with shoes 12. Exemplary shoes 12 are of similar dimensions, specifically length and height. Each of the pair of shoes 12 has a toe end 14, a heel end 16, and inner sides 18 and outer sides 20. The inner sides 18 and outer sides 20 extend between the toe end 14 and heel end 16. Each of the shoes 12 prsents a longitudinal axis 50 that extends between the toe end 14 and heel end 16. In proper orientation, inner sides 18 of a pair of shoes 12 face each other. Each of the pair of shoes 12 has a bottom surface 36 and a top portion 24. The top 24, heel 16 portion includes a foot insertion opening 26. Left shoe 12 and right shoe 12 are substantial mirror images with opposing inner sides 18. Although the embodiments shown are being utilized with sneakers, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the shoe orientation training system 10 can readily be adapted for use with various types and styles of footwear.

The shoe orientation training system 10 includes a first attachment member 30 disposed for affixing to a left shoe 12 and a second attachment member 40 for affixing to a right shoe 12. The first attachment member 30 extends from a first end 32 distally to a second end 34. Similarly, the second attachment member 40 extends from a first end 42 distally to a second end 44. In certain configurations, the attachment members 30 40 are composed of compliant materials such as fabrics or soft plastics. In certain configurations, the attachment members 30 40 are composed of stiff materials such as stiff fabrics, such as leather or those impregnated with stiffeners such as glues or starches, or plastics.

The first end 32 of the first attachment member 30 is affixed to the inner side 18 of a first shoe 12. Likewise, the first end 42 of the second attachment member 40 is affixed to the inner side 18 of a second shoe 12.

In certain embodiments, first attachment member 30 and second attachment member 40 are incorporated into the shoe design and constructed integral with the shoes 12. For example, the first ends 32 42 of the attachment members 30 40 may be sewn into the inner sides 18 of the shoes 12. In certain embodiments, first attachment member 30 and second attachment member 40 are detachably secured to the shoes 12. For example, a detachable fastener or an adhesive may detachably, securely fasten the attachment members 30 40 to their respective shoes 12.

Complementary portions of the fasteners 28 are coupled to second ends 34 44 of the attachment members 30 40. Each of the second ends 34 44 includes a segment of the fastener 28. Representative, non-limiting examples of fasteners include Velcro, snap buttons, adhesives, and others known in the art. The fasteners 28 include a first fastener segment 36 and a second fastener segment 46. For example, in Velcro, a first fastener segment 36 is a Velcro hooks component and a second fastener segment 46 is a Velcro loops component. In a snap button, a first fastener segment 36 is a stud component and a second fastener segment 46 is a socket component. In an adhesive, a first fastener segment 36 is an adhesive component and a second fastener segment 46 is a mating surface component.

As previously disclosed, in exemplary configuration, the first attachment member 30 is disposed on the inner side 18 of the first shoe 12 and second attachment member 40 is disposed on the inner side 18 of the second shoe 12. In exemplary configuration, attachment members 30 40 are disposed more proximate to the rearward heel portion 16 than the forward toe portion 14. In exemplary configuration, attachment members 30 40 are disposed more proximate to the upper top portion 24 than the lower surface portion 22. Second attachment member 40 is positioned at a location similar to first attachment member 30 with respect to corresponding shoe portions of heel portion 16, toe portion 14, top portion 24, and bottom surface 22. It is within the scope of the present invention to locate attachment members 30 40 in other positions.

When left shoe 12 and right shoe 12 are aligned and the inner faces 18 are opposing, the attachment members 30 40 are proximate each other, such that the first fastener segment 36 can engage the second fastener segment 46 so that they can be manipulated to engage each other. As a result, attachment members 30 40 connect, leaving the left shoe 12 and right shoe 12 detachably connected in proper orientation, spaced apart by the lengths of the attachment members 30 40.

In common use, it is expected that attachment members 30 40 rest substantially vertically on the inner sides 18 of the shoes 12, minimally interfering with the normal use and wear of the shoes. As shown in FIG. 2, certain embodiments include a reciprocal fastener segment 38 48 on the exterior of the inner side 18 of the same shoe 12, that is to say reciprocal to the fastener segment 36 46 of the subject attachment member 30 40. To illustrate, a first shoe 12 may have a first attachment member 30 with a Velcro hook component at its second end 34 as its first fastener segment 36 with a reciprocal fastener segment 38 of a Velcro loop component. The reciprocal fastener segment 38 48 is spaced apart from the first end 32 42 of the fastener segment 30 40 such that the strip between the first end 32 42 and second end 34 44 of the respective fastener segment 30 40 is taut when engaged with its respective fastener segment 30 40, secured close to the inner side 18 and presenting minimal space between the fastener segment 30 40 and the inner side 18.

Certain embodiments of the shoe orientation system 10 include first fastener pair and a second fastener pair that are joined to the shoes 12 such that they may be joined with the shoes and fasteners defining a detachable bounds of a perimeter 52. In the configuration shown in FIG. 5A, a first fastener includes reciprocal fastener segments 38 48 on the exterior of each inner side 18 of the shoe 12 pair, similarly disposed. The second fastener includes reciprocal fastener segments 36 46 on the second ends 34 44 of fastener attachment members 30 40.

To illustrate, a first shoe 12 may have a first attachment member 30 at the inner, top portion 18 24 with a Velcro hook component at its second end 34 as its first fastener pair segment 36. The second shoe 12 at its inner, top portion 18 24 would have a second attachment member 40 with a Velcro hook component at its second end 44 as its reciprocal first fastener pair segment 46. The second fastener segments 38 48 are distal to the first fastener segments 36 46. The first shoe 12 would have at its inner, lower portion 18 22 a Velcro hook component as its second fastener pair segment 38. The second shoe 12 inner, lower portion 18 22 would have a Velcro hook component as its reciprocal second fastener pair segment 48.

As disclosed, the embodiment present a detachable boundary defining a perimeter 52. When the first fastener pair segments 36 46 and the second fastener pair segments 38 48 are joined, a perimeter 52 of a first attachment member 30 to a first fastener pair segment 36 to a first fastener pair reciprocal segment 46 to a second attachment member 40 to an inner side 18 to a second fastener pair segment 36 to a second fastener pair reciprocal segment 48 to an inner side 18 back to the first attachment member 30.

Various configurations may be employed to define the detachable boundary presenting the perimeter 52. For example, the attachment members 30 40 may extend from the lower portion of the shoes 12. Certain configurations, such as that of FIGS. 5B and 6, further include a cord 60 for slidable insertion through the perimeter 52, more readily enabling handling, mounting, and display of the oriented shoe 12 pair.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate usage of the shoe orientation training system 10. In usage for learning orientation and in preparation for storing the shoes 12, the shoes 12 are placed adjacent each other. The shoes 12 may be manipulated in various positions and orientations. The shoes 12 are aligned in the proper orientation, as shown by their respective axes 50, and relative position, as shown by the attachment members 30 40 being proximate each. The fastener segments 36 46 are brought proximate each and manipulated such that first fastener segment 36 of one shoe 12 can be engaged to the reciprocal second fastener segment 46 of the second shoe 12. In usage for walking after the shoes have been put on, the fastener segment 36 46 for a given shoe is manipulated such that it can be engaged to the reciprocal fastener segment 38 48 of the same shoe 12.

Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawing disclose any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the single claim below, the inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved. 

What is claimed is:
 1. (canceled) 2-9. (canceled)
 10. The system of claim 1, a footwear orientation training system comprising: a first shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom surface, a top portion, and an inner side; a second opposing shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom surface, a top portion, and an inner side; a first attachment member extending from a first end distally to a second end, said first end of said first attachment member affixed to the inner side of said first shoe; a second attachment member extending from a first end distally to a second end, said first end of said second attachment member affixed to the inner side of said second shoe in an opposing relationship to said first attachment member; a fastener comprising a first fastener segment and a second fastener segment; said first fastener segment joined to said second end of said first attachment member; said second fastener segment joined to said second end of said second attachment member: whereby said first attachment member is manipulable to engage with said second attachment member at their respective said fastener segments, thereby connecting said left shoe and said right shoe; wherein said first shoe further comprises a first reciprocal fastener segment to said first fastener segment, said first reciprocal fastener segment spaced apart from said first end of said first fastener segment such that the strip between said first end and said second end of said first attachment member is taut when said first fastener segment is engaged with said first reciprocal fastener segment; and wherein said second shoe further comprises a second reciprocal fastener segment to said second fastener segment, said second reciprocal fastener segment spaced apart from said first end of said second fastener segment such that the strip between said first end and said second end of said second attachment member is taut when said second fastener segment is engaged with said second reciprocal fastener segment.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a cord for slidable insertion through said perimeter.
 13. (canceled) 14-17. (canceled)
 18. The system of claim 13, a footwear orientation training system for affixing to a first shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom surface, a top portion, and an inner side and a second opposing shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom surface, a top portion, and an inner side, comprising: a first attachment member extending from a first end distally to a second end, said first end of said first attachment member affixed to the inner side of said first shoe; a second attachment member extending from a first end distally to a second end, said first end of said second attachment member affixed to the inner side of said second shoe in an opposing relationship to said first attachment member; a fastener comprising a first fastener segment and a second fastener segment; said first fastener segment joined to said second end of said first attachment member; said second fastener segment joined to said second end of said second attachment member: whereby said first attachment member is manipulable to engage with said second attachment member at their respective said fastener segments, thereby connecting said left shoe and said right shoe; wherein said first shoe further comprises a first reciprocal fastener segment to said first fastener segment, said first reciprocal fastener segment spaced apart from said first end of said first fastener segment such that the strip between said first end and said second end of said first attachment member is taut when said first fastener segment is engaged with said first reciprocal fastener segment; and wherein said second shoe further comprises a second reciprocal fastener segment to said second fastener segment, said second reciprocal fastener segment spaced apart from said first end of said second fastener segment such that the strip between said first end and said second end of said second attachment member is taut when said second fastener segment is engaged with said second reciprocal fastener segment.
 19. (canceled)
 20. The system of claim 18, a footwear orientation training system comprising: a first shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom surface, a top portion, and an inner side; a second opposing shoe having a toe portion, a heel portion, a bottom surface, a top portion, and an inner side; a first attachment member composed of compliant material, extending from a first end distally to a second end, said first end of said first attachment member affixed to the inner side of said first shoe; a second attachment member composed of compliant material, extending from a first end distally to a second end, said first end of said second attachment member affixed to the inner side of said second shoe in an opposing relationship to said first attachment member: said first attachment member and said second attachment member are disposed more proximate to said heel portion than said toe portion; wherein said first attachment member and said second attachment member are disposed more proximate to said top portion than said surface portion; a fastener comprising a first fastener segment and a second fastener segment; said first fastener segment joined to said second end of said first attachment member; said second fastener segment joined to said second end of said second attachment member: whereby said first attachment member is manipulable to engage with said second attachment member at their respective said fastener segments, thereby connecting said left shoe and said right shoe. wherein said first shoe further comprises a first reciprocal fastener segment to said first fastener segment, said first reciprocal fastener segment spaced apart from said first end of said first fastener segment such that the strip between said first end and said second end of said first attachment member is taut when said first fastener segment is engaged with said first reciprocal fastener segment; and wherein said second shoe further comprises a second reciprocal fastener segment to said second fastener segment, said second reciprocal fastener segment spaced apart from said first end of said second fastener segment such that the strip between said first end and said second end of said second attachment member is taut when said second fastener segment is engaged with said second reciprocal fastener segment. 